County eyes upgrade to Apache Flats main road

County eyes upgrade to Apache Flats main road

Bids are scheduled to go out in December for work to reconstruct Business 50 West in Apache Flats.

County Engineer Eric Landwehr told the county commission that some temporary construction easements are needed, but little, if any new right-of-way is needed for the work.

The project, estimated to cost $3.6 million, will start at the end of state maintenance west of the intersection of Business 50 and Country Club Drive and end near Binder Park Road.

Landwehr said the projected cost could come down after bids are received since several companies are expected to want to work on this project.

The project will be funded by the county's half-cent sales tax.

The work will include a three-lane roadway with curb and gutter along with sidewalks adjacent to the road. Existing road ditches will be relocated or enclosed as needed to accommodate the road drainage.

Work should start next year.

"This will be the biggest project we've ever done," Landwehr said.

He added that the Apache Flats Business Association has been supportive of the project and they've had no real opposition from residents in the area.

Eastern Commissioner Jeff Hoelscher said this project will be much like the improvements that were done on East McCarty Street in Jefferson City.

"If we keep people updated about changes to traffic controls I believe that will help," he said.

Landwehr said message signs will be placed and updated.

Commissioners said it might be good to put in an incentive clause to get the work done in a year.